Jonas Valanciunas: 1st player with 30 pts/30 rebounds in 1st 2 career playoff games since Ralph Sampson/Sam Perkins (1985) (@eliassports)

Needless to say that apart from not displaying any jitters he seems to have not allowed his DUI problems interfere with his play either. Mentally strong I would say. The best of it for me is that he has kept KG quiet so far.

Jonas Valanciunas: 1st player with 30 pts/30 rebounds in 1st 2 career playoff games since Ralph Sampson/Sam Perkins (1985) (@eliassports)

Needless to say that apart from not displaying any jitters he seems to have not allowed his DUI problems interfere with his play either. Mentally strong I would say. The best of it for me is that he has kept KG quiet so far.

Best thing for me is that he's controlled the glass for 2 games straight. He's singlehandedly outrebounded KG/Blatche/Plumlee in both games.

JV growing up right in front of us. Going to be a beast once he learns to position himself in the low post, on O. He currently is getting pushed out a bit too far where he has to take more dribbles than he probably should. DD getting the recognition after game 2, but JV by far the unsung hero.

Considering Lopez isn't a great rebounder, I honestly question how much of an impact he'd have. Plumlee does a better job than Lopez.

I just think having to defend Lopez (a far superior offensive player than both Plumlee and KG right now) for 4 quarters, would likely lead to foul trouble, which leads to less minutes, which leads to less rebounds.

I just think having to defend Lopez (a far superior offensive player than both Plumlee and KG right now) for 4 quarters, would likely lead to foul trouble, which leads to less minutes, which leads to less rebounds.

I wonder how well his recent development carries over into next season? He really is putting up some magnificent numbers. For March and April (regular season) he averaged 9.5 rebounds and 14.5 points. Playing against the Nets is as much about match-ups as anything else, I believe. Not reflective of his actual current ability in general. But he is demonstrating improved play and focus as well. That might be a function of prep time. Which maybe helps reinforce the right attitude and culture in him moving into next season.

He could average 10 and 15 next year, with steady improvement leading towards the playoffs.

Jonas offensively isn't the issue. Defense is where he needs to improve.He has the length and size to be a great center maybe even DPOTY but he is far off that.

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Don't think he'll be DPOY. I think he'll be able to hold his own, but, he won't reach DPOY status. Which is perfectly fine. As long as he's above average on man-to-man, and even average on his rotations, should be okay.

Jonas offensively isn't the issue. Defense is where he needs to improve.He has the length and size to be a great center maybe even DPOTY but he is far off that.

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If he can average 10 rebounds a game, then he is already doing pretty well defensively. Rebounds are indicative of boxing out. We see him change shots in games and we see him get some blocks. Likewise tips and once in a while a steal. No reason to expect hm not to improve in all those areas. Simply projecting out a slower rate of improvement for the next 2-3 years (no reason why he should stop improving before then) and he will be approaching top 5 territory defensively, if not living comfortably within it.